Qigong for Balance and Self-Empowerment
2025-01-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-28 10:00 - 11:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: Tuesdays, January 14, 21, & 28; February 4
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: 1,000 THB for all 4 classes
Description
In this 4-week course, we will explore a series of standing Qigong movement and breathing exercises to build sophisticated body awareness, improve physical balance, and develop skillful reflexes to protect against falls. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think more broadly about the concept “balance,” as it applies to both body and mind, and how to improve it with calmness, confidence, and ease. Course activities will include a combination of standing and dynamic exercises and integrated, interactive lectures based in traditional Thai and Chinese Medicine. Beginners, as well as practitioners of all levels, are welcome. Course is taught for persons aged 50+, however all are encouraged to join.
Presenter
Ashley Baldwin has 6 years’ experience helping people regain balance and stability within their daily lives by teaching them to inhabit their bodies with presence and confidence. She has supported as an assistant teacher, and later taught, Qigong & holistic health education programs for seniors under the Life Long Learning international program at Thailand’s Payap University, since 2018. Her approachabilty, positivity, and compassionate facilitation of self-inquiry through embodied experience lends a refreshing approach to conventional “balance and posture” classes. She is an Instructor under the Thai Qi Holistics Center & Traditional Thai Medicine Clinic in Chiang Mai, has assisted teaching in workshops in South Korea, Indonesia, and USA, and guides international students online. She currently provides public classes and private programs in New York, USA.
About the Thai Qi Holistics System
The Thai Qi Holistics system of Medical Qiong is a method developed in Chaing Mai, Thailand, which integrates the wisdoms of Medical Qigong, traditional medicine, and locally inherited “dhamma,” the Buddhist science of mind. Core to this approach is the in-depth study of personal alignment. Through mindful motion, individuals build awareness of the habitual body posture, movement, and breathing patterns that cause them discomfort, both physically and mentally, in daily life. Through this process, they become empowered to recognize, accept, and transform the habits which do not serve their health and life goals, and learn to shift them toward a state of optimal well-being and confidence. In the TQH system, building body-mind awareness and understanding the body’s inherent capacity for healing are the foundations for personal and spiritual growth.
COST: 1,000 THB for all 4 classes

Flip and Flop Art - Explore the Basic Concepts of Art in a Fun Way
2025-01-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: January 16, 23, & 30; February 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: 1,800 THB for the four-week series
Description
This 4 session art course will explore the basic concepts of art in a fun way. Attendants will be challenged to draw a self portrait without observing, to draw the negative space to reflect positive space object, to draw flowers in an abstract way, draw clusters of cables using different methods.
Through these art sessions, one will be inspired to observe our subject matter differently, which is essential in dealing with art creation.
Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes. Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST: 1,800 THB for all four weeks

Three Day Stay at the Songdhammakalyani Monastery in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
2025-01-18 - 2025-01-20 | Songdhammakalyani Monastery, 195 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Phra Prathon, Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand
Excursion Description:
Participants will have the opportunity to live alongside the resident monastics at Songdhammakalyani Monastery in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, to get a real taste of what their lives are like. We will join in the chanting, do meditation, and join the dana offering at the Uposatha on Sunday morning. There will also be opportunities learn more about Buddha Dhamma, participate in community work, and join the monastics in alms round on Sunday morning. Alms round is a tradition that dates back to the time of the Lord Buddha.
This is a special opportunity learn about:

Thai Buddhism
The role of women in Buddhism
Daily life in a monastery

For more details about proper etiquette at the monastery visit: https://www.songdhammakalyani.com/info/visitor-information/
Both men and women are invited to stay at the Monastery. The Monastery can accommodate 30 guests in double rooms with bathroom. Men and women will be housed on different floors.
Cindy Rasicott, who recently wrote the book, This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, may be staying at the temple during the time our group is there. She has offered to introduce her book to our group. We suggest that participants buy a copy of Cindy’s book and read it as preparation for the Monastery stay. https://cindyrasicot.com/books/
What makes this Songdhammakalyani Monastery stay special/unique?
Songdhammakalyani Monastery is the first monastery in Thailand built exclusively for fully ordained female monks, bhikkhunis. Venerable Dhammananda was the first woman in Thailand to be fully ordained as a Theravadin bhikkhuni, so she has a lot to share with visitors interested in Buddhism. She has done a lot for the women of Thailand. The Monastery is also home to the magnificent Medicine Buddha statue. For more details on the statue, please consult their website: https://www.songdhammakalyani.com/monastery/the-medicine-buddha/
Logistics:
Each participant needs to arrange and pay for their own transportation to Bangkok. The Monastery will arrange for a van to pick up our Lifelong Learning Payap group at 2:00 p.m at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (the airport closest to Nakhon Pathom). The exact meeting location point will be announced later to those who are registered for the trip.
We set the meeting time in Bangkok for 14:00 (2:00 p.m.) because we are recommending that those who want to travel together take the following Thai Airways flights: TG105 on Saturday, 18 January, 2025, which leaves Chiang Mai at 12:15 p.m. and arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 13:35 (1:35 p.m.); and the return flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, 20 January at 19:05 (7:05 p.m.) which arrives at Chiang Mai at 20:25 (8:25 p.m.). These times work well with our planned schedule at the Monastery.
If you prefer, Khun Nui at CNX P&P Travel can arrange your flight for you. Email her at cnxpptravel@gmail.com or telephone her at 081-9607071. She advises that since this excursion will be during the high tourist season, you should book your tickets now.
Here is the flight itinerary we are recommending:
TG105 18JAN CNX-BKK 12.15-13.35
TG120 20JAN BKK-CNX 19.05-20.25
CNX P&P Travel:
243-245 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan District
Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand 50100
Phone: +66 (0)53 272545
Email: cnxpptravel@gmail.com
Office hours: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Closed on SUNDAY
View My Map Click Here!!
About the Presenter:
The Venerable Dhammavanna Bhikkhun, has been a fully ordained female monk (bhikkhuni) for 14 years. She has always lived at Songdhammakalyani Monastery under the guidance of Venerable Dhammananda Maha Theri, the abbess of the monastery and daughter of its founder, Venerable Voramai. Venerable Dhammananda teaches dhamma and guides the bhikkhunis in their daily lives.
After Venerable Dhammananda, Venerable Dhammavanna is the senior bhikkhuni at the temple. She leads the chanting and is responsible for introducing guests to Buddhism and monastic life.
More information about the monastery and life there can be found here:

COST: 4,000 THB (not including transportation to Bangkok)
Payment is due to LLL by Monday, 6 January 2025

In Bangkok: Siam’s Capital through Foreign Eyes, 1895-1935
2025-01-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description
“What is Bangkok like?” asked an American visitor rhetorically around the turn of the last century. Some sought to answer the question by evoking its “oriental” atmosphere or by relying on clichés like “Veniceof the East.” Others insisted its contrasts and contradictions made an easy description impossible. Bangkok in the early decades of the 20th century was indeed a city in transition, mixing (as it did) east with west and tradition with modernity.
In Bangkok, published by River Books in autumn/fall 2024, is a collection of texts and images which reflect the foreign experience of Siam’s capital at a time of often unsettling change, the foreigners in question being both long-term residents and short-term visitors. We learn how they lived and worked in the city, or how they explored it as tourists. Above all, we meet Bangkok’s diverse communities and hear some of the unforgettable stories of its people.
In this illustrated talk, Graham Jefcoate (the editor) will introduce the book. There will be readings from the book (including some of the “unforgettable stories”) and an opportunity to ask questions.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase copies of the book (at a special price) and have them signed by the editor.
Presenter:
Graham Jefcoate was born in England and studied English and Library Science in Cambridge and London, though he spent much of his working life abroad, particularly in the Netherlands. Now retired, he lives mostly in Chiang Mai, where he has pursued his interest in the life of foreign communities in early 20th century Siam/Thailand. His collection Enchanted Land: Foreign Writings about Chiang Mai in the Early 20th Century was published by River Books in 2023. Graham has given many presentations and led many excursions relating to the life of foreign communities in Chiang Mai for Lifelong Learning Payap, all of them well received.
COST: 350 THB

Cultural History of Elephants in Northern Thailand
2025-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description
Elephants have held an important role in the cultural history of Northern Thailand. They are iconized in sacred settings, their images reminding all of their relationship to the foundations of Northern Thai society. Originally used as beasts of burden, they facilitated the development of regional trade networks through difficult mountainous terrain as well as travel by foreign explorers. When teak became a hugely marketable product, their contribution was indispensable in forest to river transport accessing collection points. Most importantly, elephants remain important to Thai culture. Modern laws of ownership and management have been implemented according to international standards. There has been a significant evolution in the relationship, particularly in the context of global concern for the environment.
Presenter: Rebecca Weldon
Raised in Laos, the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, she has worked in local ethnographic museums and studied the cultural history of elephants in Northern Thailand.
COST: 350 THB

Qigong for Balance and Self-Empowerment
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: Tuesdays, January 14, 21, & 28; February 4
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: 1,000 THB for all 4 classes
Description
In this 4-week course, we will explore a series of standing Qigong movement and breathing exercises to build sophisticated body awareness, improve physical balance, and develop skillful reflexes to protect against falls. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think more broadly about the concept “balance,” as it applies to both body and mind, and how to improve it with calmness, confidence, and ease. Course activities will include a combination of standing and dynamic exercises and integrated, interactive lectures based in traditional Thai and Chinese Medicine. Beginners, as well as practitioners of all levels, are welcome. Course is taught for persons aged 50+, however all are encouraged to join.
Presenter
Ashley Baldwin has 6 years’ experience helping people regain balance and stability within their daily lives by teaching them to inhabit their bodies with presence and confidence. She has supported as an assistant teacher, and later taught, Qigong & holistic health education programs for seniors under the Life Long Learning international program at Thailand’s Payap University, since 2018. Her approachabilty, positivity, and compassionate facilitation of self-inquiry through embodied experience lends a refreshing approach to conventional “balance and posture” classes. She is an Instructor under the Thai Qi Holistics Center & Traditional Thai Medicine Clinic in Chiang Mai, has assisted teaching in workshops in South Korea, Indonesia, and USA, and guides international students online. She currently provides public classes and private programs in New York, USA.
About the Thai Qi Holistics System
The Thai Qi Holistics system of Medical Qiong is a method developed in Chaing Mai, Thailand, which integrates the wisdoms of Medical Qigong, traditional medicine, and locally inherited “dhamma,” the Buddhist science of mind. Core to this approach is the in-depth study of personal alignment. Through mindful motion, individuals build awareness of the habitual body posture, movement, and breathing patterns that cause them discomfort, both physically and mentally, in daily life. Through this process, they become empowered to recognize, accept, and transform the habits which do not serve their health and life goals, and learn to shift them toward a state of optimal well-being and confidence. In the TQH system, building body-mind awareness and understanding the body’s inherent capacity for healing are the foundations for personal and spiritual growth.
COST: 1,000 THB for all 4 classes<

Three-Day Excursion to Phayao
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-08 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Cost
9,500 THB per person for shared twin room; 10,700 THB for single room
Description
This three-day, two-night excursion will offer participants the opportunity to see and learn from Lanna scholar and professor, Dr. Ratanaporn Sethakul Ph.D., about the history, culture, architecture, and way of life of the people in Phayao, a charming city located 3 hours drive north of Chiang Mai by beautiful Phayao Lake.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, Feb. 6
9:00 Leave from the LLL Center by minivan for the 3 hour drive to Phayao, making at least one stop along the way so you can use the restroom facilities and purchase coffee and/or snacks.
Noon Arrive in Phayao and eat lunch in a restaurant near Phayao Lake.
Afternoon Visit Wat Sri Khom Kham which is loacted in the heart of the city by the lake. The local people know this as Wat Phrachao Ton Luang after the huge Buddha image situated there. This Buddha image, with a lap width of 14 meters, is in the Chiang Saen style and was cast between 1491 and 1524. We will then visit the museum in the temple compound before continuing to the hotel to check in and relax.
18:00 Transfer to dinner at a restaurant near Phayao Lake.
Day 2: Friday, Feb. 7
8:30 Leave the hotel for Chiang Kham in the southern district of Phayao.
Morning Visit Wat Nataram, a Burmese style temple which is entirely constructed of teak with fine carving. The temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful Burmese temples in Thailand. Then visit the Tai Lue Cultural Center where we will learn about the history of this group who migrated from Yunnan Province in China hundreds of years ago. The cotton weaving of the Tai Lue is highly prized.
Afternoon and evening After lunch at a Thai restaurant in Chiang Kham, we return to the hotel in Phayao city. Then we transfer in the early evening to see the sunset at the Skywalk Viewpoint. Dinner will be at a restaurant with a lakeside view.
Day 3: Saturday, Feb. 8
8:30 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Wat Phrathat Chom Thong which is located on Doi Chom Thong. The chedi, with its height of 30 meters, sits on a three layered square base. Relics of the Lord Buddha are enshrined inside. Before leaving Phayao we will visit a family who make crafts from hyacinth. Lunch will be at a restaurant in Wiang Papao on the way back to Chiang Mai.
16:30 Anticipated arrival at the LLL Center
*Itinerary may be altered slightly if necessary, or if requested by faculty guide
Faculty Guide
Dr Ratanaporn Sethakul, Associate Professor of History, Emerita, Payap University taught Thai and Lanna history at Payap University for over 40 years and was a researcher of the history and culture of Tai peoples. She has led many excursions for LLL, including the recent excursions to Lamphun and to visit Tai communities in Chiang Mai.
Cost Includes
Two nights accommodation with daily breakfast at the Gateway Hotel, transportation in comfortable air conditioned minivans, all meals (food only, drinks other than water excluded), admission fees, insurance, faculty guide with expertise on Lanna history and culture, licensed tour guide, drinking water while touring
Payment must be paid in full by January 24, 2025. Please provide a copy of your passport front page at the time of payment for insurance purposes.

Mobile Phone Support Workshop
2025-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
An opportunity to get individualized help with using your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Attendees will get 30 minutes of one on one help from a coach.
What will participants gain/ learn from this course?
Get your questions answered on issues such as:

Phone settings and functions
Installing and configuring Apps
Customizing your phone
Using the camera and manging pictures
Security and privacy settings
Backing up your data and cloud storage
Accessibility features
QR and Prompt Pay payments
Paying bills

Presenter : Tech Savvy Volunteers From Chiang Mai Greeks Club
COST:Free

From Crop to Cup: An Excursion to Lanna Coffee
2025-02-10 08:30 - 12:45 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Itinerary
8:30 am Depart from Lifelong Learning Payap Center
9:00 am Arrive at the Mae Jo cherry processing facility. Our guide, Richard Mann, will explain the different wet milling processes that
they use, as well as some new processes that they are developing. Cherry pulping and drying will be available to see.
10:30 am– Head to Lanna Café and the /Integrated Tribal Development Foundation warehouse and office in San Phi Sua
10:45 am – Tour the dry mill facilities (hulling, grading, and roasting) followed by experiencing “cupping” – a tasting to test the quality
of coffee and find the unique characteristics of each type of coffee. Richard will introduce us to 3-4 different types of coffees/
processes. He will explain the difference in flavors and how the different processes influence those flavors.
12:15 am – depart for Lifelong Learning Center
The Back Story on Lanna Coffee (adapted from the Lanna Coffee website)
Lanna Coffee’s roots go back to 1961 when Richard Mann began introducing Caturra and Catuai coffee hybrid seedlings to rural villages in the Thai highlands. With his program being widely successful, the United Nations recruited Richard to head an opium eradication project that ultimately ended opium production by providing a viable replacement – coffee. During the time that Richard was working in the opium eradication project, his son Mike spent a lot of time with his father in villages, learning about their way of life and the problems they faced. Eventually, Mike decided to use this knowledge and experience to continue his father’s work by founding the Integrated Tribal Developmet Foundation (IDTF).
Established in 1990, ITDF is an organizatrion committed to improving the lives of poor hill tribe communities “in many aspects of life, including clean water, sanitation, agriculture, education, health, and cash crops.” It created a project that would become the first fair trade certified coffee co-op in Thailand. The objective was to take coffee farming to the next level by producing a coffee that could reach international standards and, in turn, provide more money and opportunity for poor ethnic farmers. IDTF provides proper training, improved coffee varieties that can thrive in the hills of nothern Thailand, and processing equipment in order to meet these standards. Today, over 400 coffee farms in northern Thailand are 100% farmer owned. ITDF purchases single-source, pesticide-free coffee beans directly from these farmers and markets them as Lanna Coffee. The main market is in the US.
To bring the story full circle, the manager of Lanna Coffee’s warehouse and coffee processing operation (and our guide on this excursion) is Mike Mann’s son, Richard, named after his grandfather who first introduced coffee seedlings into the highlands of northern Thailand over 60 years ago
COST: 600 THB (includes transportation and coffee tasting)

Chiang Mai Photographers-Nature Pictures
2025-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Join our photography interest group, dedicated to bringing together individuals who share a passion for photography.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a beginner just starting out, our meetings will provide an engaging and supportive environment where you can learn, share tips and tricks, and review each other’s work.
The group will explore a variety of topics related to photography, including

Show your images and get constructive feedback
Composition and lighting techniques
Creative inspiration and motivation through photo challenges and critiques
Workshops on equipment, techniques and post processing
Image processing and editing
Exchange equipment recommendations, tips and insight with fellow members

All you need is a camera (any kind will do) and a desire to learn and grow as a photographer. At the meeting we will discuss picture taking around Chiang Mai and assess interests within the group to plan future meetings.
COST: Free

K-Dramas and Why We Should Watch Them
2025-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
K-Dramas and Why We Should Watch Them
Like many people around the world, I’ve quite recently become hooked on K-
dramas, that is Korean-language TV dramas which are typically spread over 16
or 20 hour-long episodes. The production values are generally high, the acting
is usually good (and sometimes very good), and the stories are often intriguing.
Already popular throughout Asia, K-dramas are rapidly becoming so in Europe
and the Americas too. Indeed, the South Korean government subsidizes an
industry which it sees as a tool of “soft power”. Though many are framed as
thrillers, sci-fi fantasies or “rom-coms”, they can (and frequently do) address
serious issues such as mental health, bullying, loneliness, neurodiversity,
ageing,dementia, suicide and bereavement. Quite a few touch on corruption
and other misdemeanors in Korean business and politics. Once you become
used to the conventions, K-dramas can become strangely addictive.
This morning, we’re going to look into the background of the dramas in Korean
culture, examine how they work and their conventions, find out how they can
be accessed, and also (by sampling some outstanding series) how they can be enjoyed.
This 2 hour session will include slides, video excerpts, and discussion. And maybe the chance to pitch for personal favorites!
Presenter : Graham Jefcoate
Graham Jefcoate was born in England and studied English and Library Science in Cambridge and London, though he spent much of his working life abroad, particularly in the Netherlands. Now retired, he lives mostly in Chiang Mai, where he has pursued his interest in the life of foreign communities in early 20th century Siam/Thailand. His collection Enchanted Land: Foreign Writings about Chiang Mai in the Early 20th Century was published by River Books in 2023. Graham has given many presentations and led many excursions relating to the life of foreign communities in Chiang Mai for Lifelong Learning Payap, all of them well received.
COST: 350 THB

Visit to three Senior Care Facilities in Chiang Mai
2025-02-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Itinerary
9:00 Leave Lifelong Learning Payap Center by van
9:30 Visit Dok Kaew Gardens at McKean Senior Center: Meet with Heather Smith, long time administrator at McKean, tour the facility, Q & A
12:00 Lunch at Lanna Life Lofts
13:00 Meet with staff at Lanna Life Lofts, tour the facility, Q & A
14:15 Meet with staff at Cozy Care Village, tour the facility, Q & A
15:30 Return to Lifelong Learning Center
Description:
In February, 2024, Lifelong Learning Payap in conjunction with the Chiang Mai Expats Club hosted the highly acclaimed “End of Life” series. Many participants expressed an interest in visiting some of the care facilities for seniors that are available in Chiang Mai. Lifelong Learning thus arranged a visit to four facilities over two days. The excursion was popular and we have decided to offer it every year, but will visit three centers in one day as opposed to four over two days.
COST: 1,000 THB (includes transportation and and lunch)

Chiang Mai Photographers
2025-03-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Join our photography interest group, dedicated to bringing together individuals who share a passion for photography.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a beginner just starting out, our meetings will provide an engaging and supportive environment where you can learn, share tips and tricks, and review each other’s work
The group will explore a variety of topics related to photography, including

Show your images and get constructive feedback
Composition and lighting techniques
Creative inspiration and motivation through photo challenges and critiques
Workshops on equipment, techniques and post processing
Image processing and editing
Exchange equipment recommendations, tips and insight with fellow members

All you need is a camera (any kind will do) and a desire to learn and grow as a photographer. At the meeting we will discuss picture taking around Chiang Mai and assess interests within the group to plan future meetings.
COST:Free

Chiang Mai Photographers : Colorful Images
2025-04-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

Chiang Mai Photographers : People Pictures
2025-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

From Bean to Bar – An Excursion to Siamaya Chocolate Factory
2025-05-21 13:00 - 16:00 | WEAVE Artisan Society, 12/8 Wua Lai Rd Soi 3, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
Description:
Join us for Chocolate Making and Tasting at Siamaya Chocolate
Do you love chocolate?
Who do you know who loves chocolate?
Learn how Chiang Mai based, award winning Siamaya Chocolate, handcrafts delicious all-natural chocolate bars using Thai cocoa beans and sugars and infuses them with Thai flavors.
We’ll begin our tour to see where it all happens, at Siamaya’s beautiful factory located at Weave Artisan Society. We will learn the details of chocolate making from the beans to the final bar. We’ll taste uniquely flavored chocolate bars such as Thai coconut curry, Durian, and Hill Coffee and Pomelo. Finally, each of us will make four of our own bars filled with delicious and distinctive Thai fruits, nuts and spices. Join us for this unique learning experience. Space is limited, so register now!
COST: 850 THB

Mobile Phone Support Workshop
2025-05-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
An opportunity to get individualized help with using your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Attendees will get 30 minutes of one on one help from a coach.
What will participants gain/ learn from this course?
Get your questions answered on issues such as:

Phone settings and functions
Installing and configuring Apps
Customizing your phone
Using the camera and manging pictures
Security and privacy settings
Backing up your data and cloud storage
Accessibility features
QR and Prompt Pay payments
Paying bills

COST:Free

An Introduction to Buddhism with Phra KK
2025-06-05 09:30 - 11:30 | MONK CHAT OFFICE
Description
Lifelong Learning Payap presents An Introduction to Buddhism, a special lecture by the Venerable Phra Kyo Kyo, of Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai, known for his Monk Chats in English with international audiences.
Phra KK will recount the story of the Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama was born almost 2500 years ago, a prince in the klan of Sakya, in the lowlands of present-day Nepal. He left home as a young man in search of ultimate truth, spending the rest of his life as an itinerant monk and teacher. He walked from place to place, each year retreating from the monsoon rains to instruct an ever-growing retinue of followers. By the end of his life, around the age of 80, he was regarded as a Buddha– a fully enlightened human being who through insight and effort had escaped the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Buddha’s insight to the human condition, the behavior of the mind, the nature of karma, and composition of reality have had a profound influence on human history ever since.
What did Siddhartha Gautama discover and what did he teach?
The Venerable Phra Kyo Kyo has introduced Buddhism to more than 10,000 people over ten years through Wat Suan Dok’s Monk Chat program.
After Phra KK presents he will guide a short meditation, then answer questions.
This English-language presentation will be held in the Monk Chat office just up (south) from the sala across from the large meditation hall under construction.
COST: 350 THB

Chiang Mai Photographers - Favorite Pictures
2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

AI: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
2025-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s already a part of our daily lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. This interactive presentation will introduce participants to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in their daily lives by demonstrating how AI can enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving across various activities. Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees will learn to use AI tools for tasks answering questions, writing assistance, image creation, language translation, and more. The session will include live examples of popular AI applications like ChatGPT and Perplexity. By the end of the presentation, attendees will feel confident incorporating AI into their daily lives and have a clear understanding of when and how to leverage these powerful technologies.
Participants should bring their own phone, tablet or computer to try the AI tools themselves.
Presenter
Doug Mann relocated to Chiang Mai following a 35-year career as a Computer Systems Engineer for a major US corporation. He specialized in mission-critical systems support across locations in Asia and Europe. In addition to his corporate role, he served as an adjunct faculty member for Aspen University for over a decade, where he developed and taught graduate level Information Technology courses. Currently, Doug is active running the Chiang Mai Photographers Group, facilitating weekly AI meet-ups for digital nomads, leads regular mobile phone workshops at Payap LLL, and is active in the Chiang Mai Geeks group. He also continues to pursue his 30+ year passion for photography.

COST: 350 THB

Basic Watercolor Techniques by Richie Cheung
2025-06-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates:Thursdays, June 19, 26 and July 3, 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: 1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Description
This watercolor course is appropriate for beginner or intermediate students who have had little experience with watercolor painting.
Learn watercolor basics and wet-on-wet technique for soft, natural effects. Attendants will try out different watercolor effects and will be challenged with a monotone watercolor piece, using techniques learned.
Attendants will then be introduced to try rocks and tree trunks using wet on dry techniques. Master wet-on-dry for crisp, defined shapes like rocks, tree trunks.
Students will try brush control and textures with studies of vegetables and fruits. Attendants will be challenged to paint live objects, concentrating on the textures, shapes and shadows of the object.
And, they will learn color mixing and light/shadow, perspective and human figures. There will be an option to continue with more advanced watercolor techniques for an additional four weeks.
Materials Needed

Watercolor paper 8K/4K A4/A3 (cold press, 300 gram)
Watercolor paints (student- or artist-grade pan/tube set)
Brushes (round sizes 2, 6, 12; flat brush optional)
Palette, water container, paper towels, pencil, eraser
Masking tape/board for securing paper
Optional: Masking fluid for highlight

Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes.
Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST:1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Breaking Boundaries: Dhammananda’s Life and Legacy
2025-06-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description
Venerable Dhammananda defied convention to become the first fully ordained woman in the Theravada Buddhist Tradition in Thailand. As a result, she faced enormous opposition by the media the Thai press, and senior orthodox Thai monks. She is currently abbess of Songdhammakalyani Temple, the first all-female monastery established by and for Buddhist women in Thailand.
Once a highly respected academic and public figure prior to her ordination, Venerable Dhammananda has become a highly controversial and respected figure. A Buddhist and a feminist, she is an active change agent who practices engaged spirituality with an emphasis on serving the community.
Presenter
Cindy Rasicot is a retired psychotherapist, spiritual teacher, and author of This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda. In 2005 Cindy travelled to Thailand with her family where she met Bhikkhuni Dhammananda—an encounter that changed her life forever. She wrote about her spiritual journey in the award-winning memoir Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand.
Note: We will have a few copies of the book for sale at the talk. It is also available at Kinokuniya.
COST: 350 THB

Demystifying the Thai Alphabet
2025-06-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
Think the Thai alphabet is too complex to learn? The Thai alphabet may look daunting, but once decoded, it opens the door to accurate pronunciation, better listening, and more confident speaking. With a little effort, you won’t need phonetics—you’ll learn the principles for reading Thai.
This course will show how you can begin to learn to read Thai script, to give a basic orientation to the constituent parts of the writing system. Lawrence will discuss the advantages of reading Thai script phonetic systems based on European alphabets.
Participants will gain an understanding of the constituent parts of Thai script:

the consonants & vowels,
the tonal markers & special characters,
the consonant classes,
ending consonants and how they affect tones.

Lawrence Nahlik was a US Peace Corps Volunteer from 1977 to 1979. After grad school in his home state of Missouri, he returned to Thailand as a consultant. After a career in Information Technology in Wisconsin, he carried out his long-term plan to retire in ChiangMai in 2011. He and his wife Yao, a native of Phayao Province, reside in Sansai.
COST: 350 THB

A Global Perspective on Human Trafficking: Where is the Hope?
2025-06-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
Drawing on four decades spent combating human trafficking, Lauran Bethell will explain factors and trends that make people vulnerable to exploitation. She will also present cases of successful remedies and preventive measures.
At its core, human trafficking is the exploitation of vulnerability. Many factors contribute to making someone or a group of people vulnerable. Some are economic, others cultural. Family and community can be factors. And the factors shift over time with new trends in migration and new communication technologies.
Lauran will break down these complexities so that participants can understand trafficking and find their own ways to help combat it.
Lauran Bethell has spent the last four decades deeply involved in the global effort to combat human trafficking. In 1987, she became the first Director of the New Life Center in Chiang Mai, offering young at-risk girls and women from minority groups a chance to escape from the commercial sex industry through education and vocational training. She helped rescue many young women who were trapped in brothels, and helped them heal their trauma. She relocated to Europe in 2001, and then to California in 2020, from where she continues to travel and consult.
COST: 350 THB
